The LEED accreditation has emerged as the industry benchmark for environmentally responsible construction methods. The demand for experts who have obtained their LEED certification has surged as more people and organizations become aware of the significance of environmentally friendly buildings. But which LEED certification should I get you might ask?
Earning a LEED certification is a smart decision if you are thinking about starting a career in environmentally friendly construction or if you want to increase your knowledge and experience in environmentally responsible design. But with so many different certification paths available, how can you know which one is right for you? In this short read, we will discuss the various LEED certifications and assist you in determining which route would be most beneficial for your professional development.
LEED Certification Levels For Buildings
Before we go into the specifics of the various accreditation choices, let’s quickly go through the several certification tiers that are available under the LEED system. Buildings that have been given the LEED certification may earn several levels of that certification depending on how well they perform in terms of sustainability. These levels are Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Platinum being the greatest degree of accomplishment possible and LEED Certified as the lowest score or title a LEED project can earn.
LEED Accreditation For Professionals
In addition to certifying buildings, the LEED program also provides certifications to professionals who want to show their knowledge in environmentally responsible building design and construction, which are called accreditations. The LEED Green Associate is the entry-level certification level, and it is the only one that does not need any qualifications. This accreditation offers a thorough grounding in the ideas, principles, and practices of environmentally friendly construction.
After earning the LEED Green Associate credential, you have the option of upgrading and earning the LEED AP (Accredited Professional) designation to further specialize in the field. The LEED AP accreditation acknowledges a candidate’s expertise in a subset of LEED’s application requirements. There are a variety of areas of specialty that may be pursued:
- LEED AP BD+C (Building Design and Construction): This certification focuses on new construction as well as big rehabilitation projects. This area of specialty is very important to your profession if the majority of what you do includes the planning, construction, or renovation of new buildings or existing structures.
- LEED AP O+M (Operations and Maintenance): This certification is geared toward those who have extensive experience in the management and upkeep of existing facilities. This specialty will strengthen your knowledge and experience in environmentally responsible building operations if you are engaged in facility management, building operations, or building maintenance.
- LEED AP ID+C (Interior Design and Construction): Pursuing the LEED AP ID+C certification is excellent if the majority of your projects focus on designing and constructing interior spaces, such as commercial interiors or tenant renovations. This specialty places an emphasis on environmentally responsible approaches to architectural and interior design.
- LEED AP for Homes: This credential is designed specifically for professionals who are engaged in the design and construction of residential buildings up to 8 stories high. More than that a project would fall under BD+C. It is an excellent credential to have whether your area of expertise is in single-family houses, multi-family structures, or residential development.
- LEED AP ND (Neighborhood Development): It is the best option for professionals who work on urban-scale projects and community planning. This certification focuses on environmental and social responsibility. This specialty places an emphasis on environmentally responsible methods of neighborhood development and city planning.
Which LEED Certification Should I Get
Now that you have a grasp of the many LEED possibilities, you may be wondering how to choose the route that would be most beneficial to your professional development. The following are some factors to take into account so that you can make an educated choice:
1. Assess Your Work-Related Priorities
Take some time to think about your present and future professional aspirations. Evaluate the kinds of projects that you generally work on or that you want to work on in the future. Do you spend most of your time working on new construction, designing interiors, managing building operations, or community planning? If you want the most relevant information and skills, choosing a specialty that is linked with the emphasis of your job is the best way to get it.
2. Research the Market
Determine the demand for LEED experts in your area or business. Although each LEED specialty offers its own unique set of benefits, some may be more in demand than others in certain settings. Take into account the prevailing tendencies and possibilities in the industry to guarantee that the area of specialty you’ve picked is in line with the requirements of customers.
Preparing for the LEED Exams
It is essential that you prepare yourself adequately for the LEED examinations after you have selected the credenial route that is most appropriate for your objectives. The tests are quite in-depth and need a substantial knowledge of eco-friendly architecture and design principles.
The first stage is to take the LEED Green Associate test, which is somewhat simpler to pass if you already have some experience working on LEED projects or have a previous understanding of green buildings. There are a total of 100 questions with multiple-choice answers, and the test is two hours long. However, since the LEED AP test places a greater emphasis on specialist knowledge, it is advised that candidates engage in more in-depth study.
Getting the appropriate training is highly recommended if you want to improve your chances of becoming successful. Archiroots, the industry’s most trusted source of LEED test preparation, makes available all-encompassing educational programs designed to boost students’ self-assurance and enable them to achieve their goals of earning LEED certification. They will provide you with free training for the LEED Green Associate and another for the LEED AP, giving you the opportunity to build a solid foundation.
In addition, Archiroots offers a free sample exam for the LEED Green Associate and another as well for the LEED AP. You will be able to get more acquainted with the structure and style of the official examinations. How questions come, time, type, and format.
